Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist
Your friends make known, o Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Ps. 145
How did the first apostles and evangelists spread the gospel? How did they do so many things to lay the foundation of the Church? The truth is very simple yet compelling. They had first become Jesus’ friends. They came to truly know Jesus. They gave their lives for Christ because they knew him as a friend, and they knew him to be the Son of God.
St. Luke’s gospel carries a special emphasis on Jesus’ ministry to the poor and the afflicted. Jesus gave these people the gift of his presence because he reflected the merciful love of his Father. So, for today, let us simply focus on presence. This theme is so essential to Christian life. It is so important because often we are not present. We are not present to those around us, not present to those we serve. My oh my, if only we can give people full attention and be present to them. It was said of St. Theresa of Calcutta that she gave her full attention to someone when she ministered to them. She had the gift of total charity for others. St. Luke’s message is one of Christian attention to those who suffer and are impoverished. We need to add this to our toolkit if we are to live the Christian message authentically. We are present to others to represent the one we love, Jesus Christ himself.
St. Luke the Evangelist, pray for us. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections